Causes of the American Revolution

  • The Proclamation of 1763

    The Proclamation of 1763
    Forbade colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains
  • The Sugar Act

    The Sugar Act
    This act raised revenue by increasing duties on sugar imported from the West Indies.
  • Currency Act 1764

    Currency Act 1764
    Parliament argued that colonial currency had caused a devaluation harmful to British trade. They banned American assemblies from issuing paper bills or bills of credit.
  • The Boston Massacre

    The Boston Massacre
    The colonists and British soldiers openly clashed in Boston. This event was used as an example of British cruelty despite questions about how it actually occurred.
  • First Continental Congress

    First Continental Congress
    In response to the Intolerable Acts, 12 of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia from September-October, 1774. One of the main results of this was the creation of The Association calling for a boycott of British goods.
  • Lexington and Concord

    Lexington and Concord
    In April, British troops were ordered to Lexington and Concord to seize stores of colonial gunpowder and to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. At Lexington, open conflict occurred and eight Americans were killed. At Concord, the British troops were forced to retreat with the loss of 70 men. This was the first instance of open warfare.